A Report was made in behalf of the committee appointed at the previous meeting, on the "Necessity of Normal Schools," (and other improvements in the general school system of the State,) by A. Pickett, of Horicon. An earnest but indecisive discussion arose, and a Committee, consisting of Messrs. Pickett, Pradt and Griffith was appointed to report further at the next meeting. Reports were read by Rev. J. B. Pradt, of Sheboygan, on "Instruction in Christian Morality in Public Schools," Mrs. Walker, of Racine, on "Methods of Teaching;" D. J. Holmes, of Sheboygan, on "The Best Method of Securing Regular and Punctual Attendance at School," and A. A. Griffith, of Waukesha, on Reading," "with illustrations.

Addresses were delivered by A. C. Spicer, (President's opening,) on "Dignity of the Teacher's Profession ;” J. G. McMynn, of Racine, on “Aims of the Educator" Prof. J. B. Turner, of Illinois, on "Knowledge and Wisdom," N. C. Calkins, of New York city, on "The School of Former Days, Contrasted with the School of the Present Time," D. Y. Kilgore, of Madison, on "What Constitutes a Teacher ;" and Prof. D. Reed, of Madison, on "Importance of the Study of Civil Polity in Common Schools."

Resolutions affirming an equality of school privileges to the female sex-the adoption of a system of exchange of maps, drawings, &c., between schools, and an exclusion of children under six years of age from school, were discussed and passed.

THE SIXTH MEETING, OR FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, was held at Portage, commencing August 8th, 1858, with an attendance of 250 members. The officers were:

President-0. M. Conover, of Madison; Vice-Presidents-Col. M. Frank, of Kenosha; R. C. Parsons, of Mineral Point; Secretary--J. W. Strong, of Beloit; Treasurer-J. G. McMynn, of Racine; Counselors-A. J. Craig, Palmyra; D. Y. Kilgore, of Madison; J. B. Pradt, of Sheboygan; F. C. Pomeroy, of Milwaukee; A. A. Griffith, of Waukesha.

A report by A. Pickett, of Horicon, in behalf of the Committee on the revision of the School Law was adopted. The provisions recommended were in substance, the following:

1. The union of the districts of each town, village, or city, under one Board, each local district electing a member of the Board, and this Board to have the power of establishing schools of different grades as required, and to elect a secretary, who should be ex-officio Inspector or Superintendent of Schools.

2. The inspectors of the several Union districts of each county, or other territory designated for that purpose, to form a County Board of Education, and to appoint a Superintendent for the county, or other territory forming a Superintendent district.

3. The several superinteudents of the State thus appointed to constitute a State Board of Education, of whom the State Superintendent should be President, and the Chancellor of the University and the Principals of Normal Schools ex-officio members.

Rev. J. B. Pradt, of Sheboygan, in behalf the same committee, reported upon the separate subject of Normal Schools, concluding with the following plan of Normal instruction, which was adopted:

1. Model instruction in a model school connected with the high school of each town or other high school district, together with suitable encouragement to pupils who aspire to become teachers.

2. Efforts at self-improvement, in town associations of teachers, assembling weekly at the central school, under the direction of the Principal of the High School.

3. Semi-annual institutes, held under the direction of County Superintendents, and aided by the State.

4. An itinerant Normal faculty, who, in conjunction with the County Superintendents, shall give instruction to the institutes.

5. Normal Academies, furnishing a disciplinary course of instruction, but aiming especially to impart both the general and technical ability to teach.

6. A Normal School proper, as a State institution, and forming one of the several schools that make up a complete university.

Resolutions were adopted, favoring the general introduction of music, and indorsing the recommendation of Hon. L. C. Draper, State Superintendent, that the Bible be used in the public schools.

Essays were read by S. H. Carpenter, Assistant State Superintendent, on "Education, a Mental Possession," A. M. May, Ripon, on "Phonetics," J. W. Strong, of Beloit, on "Vocal Music in Common Schools," and J. W. Hoyt, of Madison, on “Public Education—the Need of the People and the Duty of the State." Addresses were delivered by Prof. O. M. Conover, President, on "A Perfect School System; Rev. A. L. Chapin, D. D., of Beloit College, on "The True End of the Work of Educatton, and the Reciprocal Relations of its Different Departments," and Prof. N. Bateman, of Illinois, on "School Government."

THE SEVENTH Meeting, or SixtH ANNIVERSARY was held at Madison, on the 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th days of July, 1859, under the following officers:

President-A. Pickett, Horicon; Vice Presidents-J. E. Munger, Oshkosh; T. C. Barden, Portage City; W. C. Sandford, Beloit; Srcretary—J. W. Strong, Beloit; Treasurer—J. C. Pickard, Madison; Counselors-J. B. Pradt, Sheboygan; J. Johnson, Janesville; A. J. Craig, Palmyra; S. T. Lockwood, Burlington; A. W. May, Ripon.

The attendance upon this meeting was unprecedently large, amounting to 350 teachers, very unusual interest being excited by the presence of Hon. Henry Barnard, LL. D., his inauguration as Chancellor of the State University, and his announcement of his plan of operations as Agent of the Board of Regents of Normal Schools. Discussions were held upon the revision of the school laws, and upon moral instruction in schools—the former following a report on that subject by Rev. J. B. Pradt, in behalf of the standing committee.

Essays were read by Miss E. L. Bissell, Prairie du Chien, on "Female Education," E. P. Larkin, Milwaukee, on “Moral Culture;" E. C. Johnson, Fond du Lac, on "Mental Culture; and Rev. M. P. Kinney, Racine, on Religious Instruction."

Addresses were delivered by A. Pickett, President's Opening, on " Nature of the Teacher's Work," Prof. J. D. Butler, of the State University, on "The Classics," and Prof. Daniels, State Geologist, on “Physical Geography and Geology." Chancellor Barnard also addressed the Association, explaining his relation to

the public schools of the State, as agent of the Board of Normal Regents, and stating what he hoped to accomplish through lectures and Teachers' Institutes, if supported by the hearty co-operation of teachers and friends of education. Resolutions were adopted of welcome, and pledging co-operation to the new Chancellor of the University, and agent of the Normal Regents-in favor of the study of the classics and the German language, and of a systematic and comprehensive course of instruction in the public schools, from the primary schools to the university-of the daily use of the Bible-the employment of female teachers with equal pay when equally well qualified-and the formation of county or town Teachers' Associations, and recommending the American Journal of Education.

THE EIGHTH MEETING, OR SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY, was held at Milwaukee, the 1st, 2d and 3d days of August, 1860, with an attendance of 250, under the following officers:

President-Rev. J. B. Pradt, Madison; Vice Presidents-Rev. M. P. Kinney, Racine; George Gale, Trempealeau; J. J. McIntire, Berlin; Secretary—James H. Magofin, Portage; Treasurer-E. S. Green, Waukesha; Counselors—A. J. Craig, Palmyra; E. C. Johnson, Fond du Lac; J. L. Pickard, Platteville; E. P. Larkin, Milwaukee; T. J. Conatty, Kenosha.

A Report was read by Dr. J. H. Magoffin, of Portage, on behalf of a committee, on the history of the Association during the first seven years of its existence.

An essay was read by Mrs. H. S. Zoller, Portage, on "The Necessity of Moral Instruction," and one, prepared by Mrs. J. W. Hoyt, of Madison, on the “Horticultural Embellishment of School House Grounds."

Addresses were delivered by Rev. J. B. Pradt, President, on Self-Control the End of Education," D. S. Wentworth, of Chicago, on School Discipline;" Aug. Kursteiner, of Milwaukee, on Physical Education; Prof. S. A. Bean, of Waukesha, on "Language," and Rev. R. Parks, President of Racine College, on the "English Language."

Resolutions were discussed and adopted in favor of an extension of the system of public instruction; of County Superintendency and a higher standard of qualification in teachers; and recognizing the ability of the Teachers' Institutes held by the agent of the Normal Regents last year, and pledging co-operation in carrying out the plans.

THE NINTH MEETING, OR EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY, was held in Fond du Lac, on the 30th and 31st days of July, and the 1st and 2d days of August, 1861, with an attendance of 275, under the following officers:

President A. J. Craig, of Madison; Vice-Presidents--W. C. Whitford, Milton; T. J. Conatty, Kenosha; S. D. Gaylord, Oshkosh; Secretary—S. H. Peabody, Fond du Lac; Treasurer-J. B. Pradt, Madison; Counselors-J. B. Mason, La Crosse; S. H. Warren, Hazel Green; A. Pickett, Horicon; Miss M. S. Merrille, Fond du Lac; Miss Jennie S. Joselyn, Platteville.

The exercises were this year in part of a practical character, like those at Teachers' Institutes, and were conducted by several leading teachers of the State, assisted by W. H. Wells, Superintent of Schools of Chicago, and A. $. Welch, Principal of the Michigan Normal School.

Essays were read by L. H. Warren, Darlington, on "Primary Instruction;" and J. Ford, Milwaukee, on Object Teaching."

Addresses and lectures were delivered by A. J. Craig, President, on The Progress of Education in the State During the Year," J. G. McMynn, on "The Qualifications of Primary Teachers," Hon. H. C. Hickock, ex-State Superintendent of Pennsylvania, on "Educational Agencies;" Hon. W. H. Wells, Chicago, on "The Science of Teaching," A. S. Welch, Prin. Mich. Normal School, on "Conversation;" Hon. H. Seymour, of New York, on the "Importance of the Common School; and Hon. J. L. Pickard, on the "Importance of the Teacher's Work." Resolutions, approving the creation of the office of County Superintendent, and the choice of practical educators to fill the same-in favor of maintaining a high standard of attainment in the science and method of teaching, as well as thorough ́elementary knowledge of studies, in candidates for teaching-of maintaining the appropriations for schools in spite of the pecuniary embarrassments of the country—and the establishment of a class of primary schools fo very small and backward children, were discussed and passed.

THE TENTH MEEting, or Ninth ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSOCIATION, was held in Janesville on the 29th, 30th, and 31st days of July, and the 1st day of August, 1862, with an attendance of 300, under the following officers:

President-Jonathan Ford of Milwaukee; Vice-Presidents-R. Z. Mason, Appleton; J. E. Pilsbury, Mineral Point: J. J. M. Angear, Berlin; Secretary, S. H. Peabody, Fond du Lac; Treasurer-J. B. Pradt, Madison; CounselorsS. D. Gaylord, Oshkosh; S. H. Peabody, Fond du Lac; R. L. Reed, Watertown; J. McAlister, Milwaukee; A. Pickett, Horicon.

Practical "Institute" exercises were introduced to considerable extent as at the last meeting, and the occasion was rendered one of new interest from the sessions, alternating with those of the Association, of the primary meeting of the County Superintendents.

An essay was read by Hon. J. L. Pickard, on High Schools a Necessary Part of our Public System;" and lectures were given by Prof. J. B. M. Sill, of Michigan, on "Graded Schools ;” Prof. E. S. Carr, of the State University, on Chemistry and Geology;" and by Prof. J. J. Blaisdell, of Beloit College, on "Arnold as a Teacher."

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Addresses were delivered by J. Ford, President, on "The Independent Teacher;" Hon. N. Bateman, Supt. of Pub. Inst., Ills., on “ National Education ;” and Hon. J. M. Gregory, Supt. Pub. Inst., of Michigan, on "Education and Destiny."

No discussions were held or resolutions passed at this meeting upon educational topics, except by the Convention of Couuty Superintendents.

THE ELEVENTH MEETING, OR TENTH ANNIVERSARY, was held at Kenosha, on the 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st days of July, 1863, with an attendance of 250, under the following officers:

President-S. H. Peabody, Fond du Lac; Vice-Presidents-N. E. Goldthwaite, Fox Lake; Miss Adah F. Pearson, Janesville; Mrs. H. S. Zoller, Racine; Secretary-S. T. Lockwood, Janesville; Treasurer-Rev. J. B. Pradt, Madison; Counselors-A. J. Cheney, Delavan; B. A. Barlow, Albion; J. K. Purdy, Fort Atkinson; S. D. Gaylord, Oshkosh.

The occasion was again rendered interesting by the sessions, in connection with the Association, of the Second Convention of the County Superintendents, and practical exercises were again also introduced.

Essays were read by G. H. Hascall, of Battle Creek, Michigan, on " Physical Education," F. C. Pomeroy, Milwaukee, on "Mental Arithmetic," S. T. Lockwood, on "Sports Suitable for School Grounds;" and one by Hon. J. L. Pickard, entitled "Bird's Eye View of the Profession."

Educational

Addresses were delivered by S. H. Peabody, President, on Landmarks," Prof. J. Emerson, D. D., of Beloit College, on Popular Education," President R. Edwards, of Illinois Normal University, on "The Influence of Teaching upon the Character of the Teacher;" Hon. J. D. Philbrick, of Boston, on the "Self-Education of Teachers," and Col. J. G. McMynn, of Racine, on the "Relation of Teachers to the Present State of the Country."

Discussions were conducted by the Convention of County Superintendents, some other persons participating, upon "School Attendance," "Test of Ability to Teach," and "School Visitation."

A report was presented by Rev. J. B. Pradt, on behalf of the committee on the "Revision of the School Laws," concluding with the following resolutions, which were adopted after discussion, with the exception of the 9th section of the first resolution:

I. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Association the proper efficiency of our Public School system requires:

1.

A plan of Town Organization of the schools.

2. The general introduction, as far practicable, of graded schools.

3. More attention to school architecture, and a better supply of school apparatus.

4. The carrying out of the intention of the Constitution in regard to school libraries.

5. More earnest and systematic attention to the physical, æsthetic, moral, and religious training of children in the schools, as well as more enlightened methods of instruction and intellectual development.

6. The appropriation of aid by the State to the holding of Teachers' Institutes.

7. The establishment of a series of Normal Schools, and the appointment of Normal Superintendents over those districts, who shall constitute a State Board of Education.

8. The establishment of a grade of permanent or professional teachers' certificates to be granted to graduates of Normal Schools, and to others who pass the requisite examination.